Don't assume the world evolved in the order in which you discovered it.

Every person you encounter, whom you interact with, is there to teach you something. Sometimes it may be years before you realize what each had to show you.

In the end, my reasons for moving down the timeline and introducing a new cast have more to do with keeping myself entertained, on the assumption that if I get bored, my readers are going to be even more bored.

The brave man is not the one without fear but the one who does what he must despite being afraid. To succeed, you must be willing to risk total failure; you must learn this.

Never underestimate the potential for human stupidity when wealth and power are at stake.

Neal had a couple of good ideas and they fit nicely, so that's the way I decided to go.

You can only have one first born child. You may love all your children deeply and with passion, but there is something unique about the first born.